Amid the wave of Arab drama adaptations, which aim to reinterpret successful works with a local touch, the Moroccan television scene is set to launch “Ras El Jbel”, the Moroccan version inspired by the acclaimed Lebanese-Syrian series “Al-Hayba”. Originally airing in 2017, the series left a major mark on audiences before being adapted in Turkey as “The Distant City”.
This new Moroccan production reflects the ambition of local creators to recraft powerful stories while respecting the social and cultural nuances of their country, avoiding a mere duplication of plots and characters.
The Moroccan Bet
According to producer Sadiq Sabah, “Ras El Jbel” is more than an adaptation: it tells a new story with a distinctly Moroccan spirit. While it draws from the original’s overarching structure, the events and characters are rewritten to reflect Moroccan realities, offering relatable figures and performances that immerse viewers in the drama.
Inside the Story
The series follows Yasmina, a woman returning from Montreal, Canada, to attend her husband’s funeral. Her brief visit turns into a forced stay in “Ras El Jbel”, where she must protect her son, the legitimate heir of a powerful family.
From the very beginning, she confronts a closed world governed by rigid traditions and complex power struggles, where survival and influence are measured in harsh family dynamics.
Her journey becomes a path of social and psychological challenges, forcing decisions that could change her life and her son’s forever.
A Distinctly Moroccan Vision
Screenwriter Basmat Al-Hajari emphasized that the Moroccan version respects the spirit of Al-Hayba without copying it: “We relied on the main plot but developed entirely new stories rooted in Moroccan social and cultural realities.”
Some elements of the Lebanese version, such as tribal clans, do not exist in Morocco and were replaced by social and economic networks reflecting local realities, including business partnerships. The theme of smuggling is addressed realistically, inspired by similar cases reported in the local press.
A Stellar Cast
The series features leading Moroccan actors, including Asaad Bouab in the main role, alongside Hiba Benani, Amin Najji, Nora Sqalli, Salwa Zerhan, Osama Bastawi, Nasser Aqbab, and Abdallah Didane.
The casting resulted from careful consultations among writers, directors, and producers, ensuring authenticity and coherence in performances.
Can the Adaptation Succeed?
Balancing the fame of the original work, quality writing, and authentic performances, “Ras El Jbel” raises a crucial question: Can the Moroccan version preserve the spirit of “Al-Hayba” while forging its own distinct identity?
With a plot blending power, tradition, and family rivalries, the series promises an immersive look into the internal tensions and transformations of Moroccan society, while exploring courage, destiny, and adaptation in a complex world.
As it approaches its Ramadan release, “Ras El Jbel” stands out as one of the most anticipated works, not only as an adaptation of an international hit, but also as a test of Moroccan drama’s ability to combine suspense, social reality, and unique artistic vision.
